From student to doctoral student at KI

Both aged 27, graduates from the master’s programme in Biomedicine, and conducting research at the Department of Women and Children’s Health, Ioanna and Sara are at different stages of their Ph.D. at KI. Ioanna started her doctoral studies in 2021 and is now in her fourth year, while Sara recently entered her third year. 

– My project focuses on developing novel single-cell omics technologies that will allow studying the tumour cell heterogeneity within neuroblastoma tumours at an unprecedented resolution, Ioanna tells us.

– My main research is also on neuroblastoma, which represents around 8% of all childhood cancers, says Sara. My projects primarily revolve around uncovering novel therapeutic targets associated with neurogenesis and their role in disease progression and treatment resistance. Some of the methods we use are different CRISPR-edited technologies and animal models, which allows me to explore various avenues in my research, says Sara.

Planting the Ph.D. seed

The idea of pursuing doctoral studies after the master’s programme arose in different ways for them. Ioanna is grateful to the programme encouraging her to engage with different members of the academic world during her studies. She also took advantage of the three different internships offered during her education.

– I was able to “test the waters” and see whether a Ph.D. was the next step for me. Furthermore, I was lucky to perform my master's thesis in the lab of John Inge Johnsen and Ninib Baryawno, both of which greatly inspired me to pursue my academic curiosities. Because of this, it was almost natural for me to continue in the same group as a Ph. D. student, she says.

As for Sara, she started considering doctoral studies as the next step during studies abroad.

– The idea came to me during my bachelor's thesis at the University of Edinburgh, where I went on an Erasmus exchange. It stemmed from hearing inspiring stories of students in the UK continuing their academic journey. 

The student to Ph.D. transition

The road from finishing a master’s programme to starting a Ph.D. position is not always a straight one. Sara, for example, had a corporate position in digital health before going back into the lab as a doctoral student.

– Following graduation, I began a summer internship in the same lab while simultaneously searching for various job opportunities. I landed an eye-opening opportunity to work at Roche Diabetes Care in digital health. Although I gained extensive knowledge, my passion for science and ambition to pursue a career in pediatric oncology research prompted me to return and eventually secure a Ph.D. position.

Ioanna had the opportunity to start almost straight away.

– After a small break following my graduation, I started my work as a Ph.D. student, she says. Due to my previous work during my master's thesis, the transition to the Ph.D. during was quite seamless. The groundwork that took place during my thesis work really prepared me for the challenges and expectations of a Ph.D. at Karolinska Institutet.

How did you determine which topic you wanted to base your Ph.D. on?

– It was a combination of my research interests together with the group’s research expertise, says Ioanna. The focus of the Ph.D. would be on pediatric oncology since this is the general scope of the lab, but I was allowed to try out different methods and hypotheses. The result was the start of a great collaboration with Harvard Medical School which allowed me to perform part of my Ph.D. in Boston.

– My keen interest in neuroscience initially guided my academic path until my master's studies introduced me to the exciting domain of neuro-oncology, such as investigating new treatments for patients, says Sara. This led me to work with pediatric oncology. Also, establishing a solid rapport with my supervisor, Malin Wickström, significantly influenced my decision to continue in her research group.

Many possible career paths post- Ph.D.

Time flies when you’re having fun. This is true for your spare time and your professional life. Both Ioanna and Sara are approaching the end of their doctoral positions and have different ideas of what they might want to dedicate themselves to afterwards. Ioanna is leaning towards an entrepreneurial take on her expert areas. 

– I would like to bridge my expertise in the lab with my increasing interest in entrepreneurship in the healthcare sciences and look into the vibrant start-up landscape of Stockholm for future opportunities. To this end, I’m currently attending the Health Innovation & Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, organised by the School of Health Innovation, where I’m learning how innovation in the health sector can be used for the benefit of patients and society. I’m also becoming more familiar with the entrepreneurial landscape of Stockholm through the organisation of the upcoming KI Ph.D. conference.

Sara, who has just recently completed her half-time review, is in the middle of a busy period, wrapping up projects while initiating new ones.

– I’m looking forward to attending several conferences this year, such as the Ph.D. conference that Ioanna mentioned, as well as SIOP 2024 (International Society of Paediatric Oncology) in Hawaii. As for the future, I’m considering pursuing a postdoc if the right opportunity arises. Overall, I intend to remain open to different career paths.

Tips for research curious KI students

With current students considering a research career at KI in the future, they would like to share a couple of handy tips.

– My top tip is to take your time in choosing the right work environment and supervisor, says Sara. Also, don't miss out on applying to conferences and summer schools. They offer excellent opportunities to network with peers and leaders in your field, fostering invaluable personal and professional growth.

Ioanna finishes off with a few concise and effective words:

– Be brave, proactive, and open to new opportunities.